Removal and installation the radiator (BMW 5 Series E39)

After a long mileage of the car, the narrow internal channels of the radiator can be clogged with sediment from the coolant and salt deposits. As a result, the cooling capacity of the radiator is greatly reduced, which leads to engine overheating. In this case, the radiator must be replaced.

If oil gets into the coolant, for example as a result of a defective cylinder head gasket, then during repairs the radiator and expansion tank must be removed and washed with a cleaning agent from BMW. Approximately 2 liters of cleaning agent are required for washing; when performing the operation, follow the manufacturer's instructions. After installing the radiator, the entire cooling system is repeatedly filled with hot water, after which the water is drained again. Since the cleaning liquid must not be drained onto the ground, it is recommended that the work be entrusted to a BMW service station.

Removal

Remove the fan, see page 38.

Drain the coolant according to the instructions in section "Maintenance work".



Loosen the clamps, slide them back and remove the coolant hoses at the top and bottom of the radiator.





Disconnect the wire from the liquid level sensor "13" at the bottom left of the radiator.

If there is an air conditioning system, disconnect the plug from the temperature switch "10" on the right side of the radiator.



If present, remove the automatic transmission oil cooler lines, collect the leaking transmission oil and dispose of it. Plug the lines with clean plugs to prevent dirt from getting into them.

Caution: The coolers of the power steering hydraulic system, the air conditioning system and, as a rule, the automatic transmission hydraulic system are located in one holder (cassette) in front of the radiator of the engine cooling system. To remove these coolers, you must first dismantle the radiator. The refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system should only be opened in a specialized workshop with the appropriate equipment. Risk of accident.

Remove the sealing lips "1" by moving them upwards. Loosen the hexagon-head bolts "2" on the left and right and remove both radiator brackets "3".

Pull out the radiator with an upward movement.

Caution: The radiator fins are sometimes very sharp, so it is recommended to wear gloves when performing the operation.

Installation

Check all coolant hoses for cuts, cracks and other damage, replace hoses if necessary. Check that both lower rubber radiator mounts are in perfect condition.



Insert the radiator from above so that its supports sit exactly on the supporting surfaces.



Press the radiator against the partition and install the mounting brackets. Put the sealing lips in place.

Screw the automatic transmission oil lines with new sealing rings to the radiator and tighten the fastening to a torque of 20 Nm. Check the transmission fluid level gearbox oils.

Install the coolant hoses and tighten the clamps.

If removed, connect the wires of the temperature switch and liquid level sensor.

Install the fan.

Fill the coolant and bleed the cooling system, see section "Maintenance work".

Warm up the engine and check the hose connections for leaks.

Check the coolant level and top up if necessary.